DYNAMIC IDENTITY

Elements of film language grammar

Introduction to the subject SHOT SIZES – FRAMING

SHOT SIZES

FRAME

FRAMING?DECISIONS?

WHAT CAN WE SEE?WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

COMPOSITION – IN THE FRAME • You need to decide whether the FRAME

should have a focal point [i.e person or object], should be symmetric or asymmetric, harmonic or non harmonic.

• The presence of each element in the frame

should be justified.

Extra long shot: Shows the full topography of the scenery where the action takes place; human figures are small and poorly visible, blending in with the background; used for general description of a place or for presenting a new space.

Long shot: A full view of the place of action; the human figure is visible; the space is clearly visible; used for showing the relation between the actors and the surrounding space or showing general information about the place of action.

Full shot: Is a cut-out of an extra long shot; we can see the full figure of the actor; we can see only a part of the surrounding space; very popular in silent movies.

American shot: Shows a part of the full shot; the human figure is shown from knees up and dominates in the film frame; mostly used in dialogue scenes.

Medium shot: Shows the human figure from the waist up; the actor dominates in the frame; we can see more of the

expressions on the face than in an american shot.

Medium close-up: we see the human figure's bust, we can see the actor’s expressions, gestures, emotions; the background is not so important – it is barely visible.

Portrait/Close-up: An actor’s head (or any other object) fills the frame almost completely; it allows for accurate

observation of details or expressions.

Big close-up: Is a very accurate form of getting closer to an actor or object; the frame is filled with a body detail or object detail connected with the action; this frame draws attention; it's used as a rule for rasing the level of emotional tension.

In what frame you would feellike yourself?